Analysis : The human factor
The atmosphere at the beginning of the sequence is somewhat tense, with the use of acoustic guitar which is reminiscent of western ‘stand off ’music , coupled with the deep red background, which usually symbolises danger. The title sequence seems to create a feeling of confusion for the audience as it is unclear what much of what is on the screen is in some parts and how it links to the film. This is shown by using an extreme close up of the animation of the abandoned telephone as the establishing shot which adds to the confusion and tension as the audience is unsure of what the image is. As the E.C.U zooms out slowly, the identity of the object is left open to interpretation for a while as at some points it looks like a drawing of a pair of binoculars until it zooms out to reveal the phone. The sense of mystery continues as the camera tracks the phone cord, leaving the audience wondering what it leads to, which teamed with the non diagetic music dubbed over the top, creates an atmosphere of slight tension and unease. Links to the title ‘Human factor’ can also be seen here as the phone cord starts to resemble the lines on a heart monitor.
As the sequence progresses the music lightens and takes on a more comical feel as it speeds up and more guitars are added, however this contrasts with the image now being presented, as now the audience can see the full phone animation, which has taken on more chilling connotations as the phone is hanging and has been cut at the end, this adds reinstates the initial tension as phones are usually perceived as a life line, which in this sequence has been severed. The title has been used to separate the phone receiver from the cord, suggesting to the audience the theme of the film which may be to do with some sort of broken communication.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ignl1WwvyiU&feature=related
